Moving and Housewarming Gift Traditions in Japan 2025

Moving and housewarming gifts (新築・引越し祝いのプレゼント) are one of the unique and meaningful traditions in Japan. This tradition is not only about giving, but also reflects mutual respect and maintaining good relationships. By giving moving and housewarming gifts, Japanese people want to show their support and good wishes for the recipient's new life in a new place.

What are moving gifts and housewarming gifts?

A move-in gift is a gift given when someone purchases and moves into a used home or condominium other than a newly built one.

If someone moves from one rental apartment to another, you don't have to give a gift. However, you can give a regular gift to someone close to you as a farewell gift.

A housewarming gift is a gift given to someone when they move into a newly built house. Japanese people give housewarming gifts not only to family homes but also to those moving into newly built condominiums.

How to Choose the Right Gift

When choosing a moving and new home gift, there are a few things to consider. It is important to consider the recipient's preferences and habits. Don't give them something they might not like or even need.

Give your friend an interesting and stylish gift as a housewarming gift. Interior items that add style to your new home are also popular. For example, houseplants and beautiful flowers can brighten up the room. If you are close to your friend, it will be easier to understand your friend's preferences or what your friend wants.

Give useful items such as household appliances as gifts for relatives and friends. Gifts for relatives and friends can be expensive, so many high-quality gifts, such as household appliances, will be useful in their new life.

Daily necessities and dishes can be moving gifts for bosses and colleagues. This is because you often do not know what they want or like. It is advisable to choose gifts from items that everyone can receive happily. 

Food and drinks that are usually enjoyed with family and children are suitable as gifts. Food is not only a necessity, but also a symbol of warmth and friendship. Pay attention to the appearance of the packaging and choose stylish items for gifts.

Common household items like detergent, soap, and towels are popular gifts. Because they are familiar and practical, it is appreciated if you give something special with a focus on quality, design, and brand. Giving useful items shows attention to the recipient's needs and helps them feel more comfortable in their new environment.

Catalog gifts are recommended when you can't decide what to give as a gift, so that the recipient can choose what they want. You can enjoy the fun of choosing while comparing a wide range of products.

For people who live alone, suitable moving gifts are items they need for their new life. Suitable gifts to support their new life are practical items such as tableware and simple interior decorations. In addition, the homes of people who live alone often have little storage space, so choose one that is not too big.

Gifts to Avoid/Taboo

To avoid offending the recipient, avoid giving taboo items as gifts. Fire-related items, such as matches and candles, are considered unlucky and should not be given as gifts.

When giving flowers and other popular gifts, be careful about the color. Items that are the same color as fire, such as red flowers, are not allowed. Avoid using red in wrapping as much as possible. It is advisable to avoid flowers with negative meanings and flowers with strong scents. Also, items that damage the walls of your new home, such as wall clocks, paintings, and wall hangings, but if you want to give them as a gift, be sure to contact the recipient.

Also, it is best to avoid giving your boss items that are stepped on, such as mats and sandals. This is considered rude because it implies the meaning of using them as stepping stones.

Best Time to Give Gifts

The best time to give a housewarming gift is 1 to 2 months after moving in. Immediately after moving in, many people are busy tidying up and completing formalities, so listen to the other person's convenience and decide when to hand over the items.

Add a heartfelt message to the gift to express your congratulations on their new life. If you are invited to a housewarming party, bring it on the day. After entering the room, take out the item and hand it over with a congratulatory message.

If the wedding and moving date coincide, it is not considered rude to send a wedding gift and a moving gift at the same time. Even if the other person is grieving, giving them a gift is not a bad thing. Especially if they have been notified by the other party, they are likely not concerned about it.

Moving and housewarming gifts in Japan are more than just a social practice. They are a symbol of mutual respect, care, and a desire to build a good relationship. Each gift given carries hopes and prayers that the recipient's life in the new place will go well.